CO. CLARE, IRELAND – Situated at a triple crossroads, branches of bushes adorned with clootie blessings line the serpentine path down the hill to the site of the well. Behind the site, a well-cared-for, nearly-ancient cemetery climbs the hillside, boasting the remains of several mythical kings of Ireland as well as Irish nobles going back centuries. Arriving at the base of the well, a large statue of Brigid welcomes visitors, surrounded by a circle of blooming flowers, even in the March chill. Circling her statue, the ivy-wreathed entrance leads to a dark grotto emitting the calming sound of running water.
Brigid’s well – Image credit: Elyse Welles
On my recent pilgrimage to Ireland, I finally had that experience. The one many people become witches for. An experience of instant gratification: when our manifestations, prayers, and spellwork are immediately answered. And the most moving part: it came as an acceptance by a Goddess I’ve long admired.
When I first began consciously practicing Witchcraft, I sought a relationship to Brigid that never escalated beyond acquaintance. We fleetingly connected in group work; she came to me in simple cameos in meditation, but never spoke; she was even present at my initiation into my coven, but as a support, not a guide. I never had that motherly bond I’d read about in dozens of books. On this visit, I realized that the deep, magickal connection to Brigid I’ve sought since becoming a witch over a decade ago was waiting for this moment of initiation.
I am a spirit-led traveler, living my life between Greece and Pennsylvania, and traveling often to new countries and small villages; from bustling cities to remote areas of the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. I follow the nudges of my patron Goddess, my spirit guide, and the spirits of place to visit or commune with new lands, sometimes with no real understanding of why I’m being led there. This trip to Ireland was one such time.
I had gone to meet a friend (I thought), but as I planned my trip, my guides were explicit: this will be an initiation to a new path. I was given directions to go to Brigid’s Well in County Clare. This well was not overly close to where I would be visiting my friend. I wouldn’t be able to rent a car on such short notice. And even more strangely, I was told I wouldn’t go to the well with her, but alone. I was given to understand that this journey wasn’t just for me, but I was going as an emissary. I needed to ask for healing for those in my life who will need it. I couldn’t find any information online about how to get there without renting a car, but spirit’s message was clear: just get close by, and I’ll find a way there. The Cliffs of Moher were right up the road, just a few kilometers of hillside away. I sent out the message to my friends, family, students, and online followers for any healing requests, and I set the day I would be visiting.
This well is one of many healing sites dedicated to Brigid, but it has a powerful history. In the early 1800s, Cornelius O’Brien served as a landlord and member of Parliament in County Clare. His estate, now in ruins, was on the land of the well. When he took ill, he was directed to its healing powers. When the waters worked, and cured him of his illness, he dedicated much of his time, money, and resources to bringing tourism to the well, the Cliffs of Moher, and the surrounding area.
He built a monument next to the well using an Ancient Greek Corinthian column, and it was he who organized the building of the grotto around the well. This construction directed the flow of water to the easier access point of its present location so that the infirm could make the trip more easily. He also built O’Brien’s Tower, an observation tower on the Cliffs of Moher. It was said by his tenants and today’s locals that he “built everything around here except the Cliffs.” Since his work to preserve Brigid’s Well, thousands of locals and tourists alike have left offerings at the site and found healing in drinking her water for physical, mental, and emotional ailments.
I made it to the Cliffs of Moher easily, where I found several taxi companies; however, none of them were able or willing to take me to the Well. I even found more results online and called every company and used every transportation app I could find.
Feeling defeated, I asked a local woman for her advice. “Without a car,” she said, “it won’t be easy,” I told her all I’d tried so far. She looked thoughtful for a moment and then smiled. “Pray to Brigid. She’ll get you there.”
Offerings made at Brigid’s Well – Image credit: Elyse Welles
At that moment, I felt a bit silly. I had been thinking too logically. Of course, I thought. I’ll ask Brigid. I set it in Brigid’s lap: may she find the course for me.
I sat down to my pack lunch, unwrapping my sandwich. Just then a crow lands on my right, only a few inches from me. I offer it pieces of my sandwich. It sings for me. I offer more. We share my lunch, and just as we’re finishing the last of my potato chips he lifts off. When he flies away he crosses directly over a Cliffs employee, chatting with some others. I get up and approach. “How can I get to Brigid’s Well?”
The employee the crow had flown over steps out from the group. “Why would you like to go to the Well?” he asks.
“To ask for healing for some friends and family,” I reply.
“Hang on,” he says, turning. He returns a few minutes later with the car keys. “I’ll take you,” he says.
As we drove, Sean pointed out a white cottage just across from the Well. He and several generations of his family were raised there. I couldn’t stop thanking him for his kindness. He said it was the least he could do, to give me this experience. It’s how he was raised.
I have never been more moved, or more humbled. I’ve never had a better experience where the Goddess worked through someone to answer a prayer like this. And moreover, I learned that this deep connection to Brigid that I always wanted has always been growing. She welcomed me to her land, she accepted my offerings to the crow, and she answered my prayer. And to those who requested healing: it is definitely on its way.
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.